COVID-19
IDRAAC started research projects related to the effect of COVID-19 on the mental health of different vulnerable groups and is currently working on the following 2 studies:

The HEalth caRe wOrkErS Study: HEROES- LEBANON
IDRAAC is taking part in a multinational study which will allow the understanding of the COVID19 pandemic, the economic situation and the Beirut Blast effects on health workers in 8 major hospitals in Beirut and Mount Lebanon (American University of Beirut Medical Center, Bellevue Medical Center, Hôpital Libanais Geitaoui, Hôtel Dieu de France, LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, Mount Lebanon Hospital, Rafik Hariri University Hospital, St George Hospital University Medical Center). This study is conducted in coordination with the National Mental Health Program at the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon (MOPH) and is the largest study to be done in Lebanon among health workers addressing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut Port Blast and the economic situation.
The study is a prospective cohort study including a baseline assessment and three follow up assessments (after 3, 6, and 12 months). Collaborators from 32 countries in 5 continents (America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania) will participate in the study and it is coordinated by the University of Chile and Columbia University.
Participants will answer an online questionnaire including a screening on psychiatric symptoms, questions on several emotional and social factors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and questions on their economic situation and previous stressors. The study in Lebanon has been adapted to assess the particular stressors and psychological adversities of the Beirut Port blast.

Assessment of Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and Suicidality in a Sample of Lebanese Adults undergoing dialysis following the Beirut Blast
IDRAAC is initiating a study which aims to assess depression, anxiety, suicidality and PTSD among hemodialysis patients. It will also examine the impact of traumatic events (COVID-19, Beirut explosion or other trauma) in addition to the financial situation, medical comorbidities, past psychiatric history, social isolation, cognitive impairment, religiosity, nutritional status, functional status in relation to depression, anxiety and PTSD occurrence.
This study will also follow hemodialysis patients longitudinally to recheck changes in prevalence rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD at 6 and 12 months.
The study will be implemented in two major hospitals: St George Hospital University Medical Center and Geitawi Hospital both of which suffered major damage during the Beirut Blast.